Its been an interesting month with lots happening with the Rules of Racing Review, Covid lockdowns and regatta challenges. We would like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge the volunteers, coaches and supporters that are helping our athletes through these difficult times and for ‘keeping the boat moving forward.’
The Waikato Region did extremely well at the North Island Rowing Championships accumulating a total of 76 medals and at the National Rowing Championships accumulating a total of 20 medals. Well done to those that competed and all those that achieved podium success.
North Island Rowing Championships - Lake Karapiro
| Club | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| Waikato | 18 | 12 | 10 | 40 |
| Hamilton | 5 | 1 | 4 | 10 |
| Cambridge | 3 | 8 | 8 | 19 |
| Hauraki | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| St Pauls | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Te Awamutu | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
National Rowing Championships - Lake Ruataniwha
| Club | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| Waikato | 5 | 1 | 5 | 11 |
| Hamilton | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Cambridge | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| Te Awamutu | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
NZ Rowing Association (aka RNZ) Rules Review
May 2021 is the month when Association delegates will descend on the Waikato to debate and approve the Rules of Racing at the NZRA AGM. To get from here to there, your input is required. Your club secretary has received an email containing proposed rules and some questions to help with providing feedback/ideas/ comments. We have this information available here on our website in case your committee has met yet or circulated the information.
Deadline for submissions is 14 March 2021 email us or use this feedback form.
Pete Yeoman and Catherine Stapleton are your representatives on this project. They are working closely with the other association reps to ensure WRA member clubs views are represented and heard. Having a chat can be quicker and easier, give either of them a call or invite them to your next committee meeting. Email them via – hello@rowingwaikato.co.nz or call Catherine on 021 069 1913 or Pete on 027 674 7200
Safety
BE SEEN BE SAFE. Its coming up to that time of year especially around dawn and dusk when visibility is poor, that you need to be seen, make sure you have boat lights and use them. Make sure you have PFDs in all boats and use them.
Harbour Master will be monitoring lakes and rivers, and visiting regattas throughout the year to ensure that the Maritime Regulations are being followed, please make sure you are compliant.
Clubs please send us your incident reports. We are strong believers for sharing information to learn from one another. After all hindsight is 20/20 and the most serious safety breach of all is to do nothing.
Coming Up
2021 Aon Maadi Cup, 22nd to 27th March - we would like to wish all rowers the best of success for this regatta. Be aware there will be dam closures and with lockdowns a foot, so keep tuned to the Waikato Rowing Association facebook page for updates. https://www.facebook.com/rowingwaikatoassn/
NZRA Annual General Meeting - will be held on Saturday, 22 May in Hamilton. The NZRA are now CALLING FOR AWARD NOMINATIONS. Please fill out all relevant forms before 31 March 2021 available on the Rowing NZ website https://www.rowingnz.kiwi/
Waikato Rowing Association Regatta proposed dates for 2021
| Long Distance | 16 May, 6 June, 1 Aug, 5 Sept |
| Head of Waikato | 25 September |
| Waikato River Race | 17 October |
| Noted: | Legion Masters Regatta 8 May |
Lets share the spotlight together
You may have already picked up but the theme of WRA Noticeboard is information sharing and working together. Oarsport is back into publication content is limited, we would like to offer our assistance to promote your events, celebrations, achievements and photos with the wider rowing community.
Our Facebook audience has over 500 followers ranging from athletes to clubs and suppliers from all over Waikato, NZ and abroad. Why not leverage this audience to shine the light on your club and your members.
Send your information and photos to our Secretary, Julie Dillon – hello@rowingwaikato.co.nz
Our monthly emails provide you an update on what is topical for the Waikato Rowing Association Committee and the local rowing community. We would be appreciate your feedback and input into how this regular monthly publication evolves.
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